I twist when I am nervous
I twist when I am bored
I twist when I’m depressed
What am I twisting for?
Each little hair I pull
In bunches from my head
Creates just the perfect sting
So that my urge is fed.
But wait, I’ll twist again
Because I just can’t stop
Twirl then twist and yank
Until there’s a bald spot.
Similar to cutting,
My blood is clumps of hair
Strands on all my clothing
I have to see it there.
I’m not trying to annoy you
Please just understand
I’m not pleading for attention
I just can’t control my hand
Author notes
I have what is known as trichotillomania. It has been called a self-injurious behavior, and it is listed in the DSM-IV as an impulse control disorder. The simple definition is a constant need to pull out one's hair, either on the scalp, the eyebrows or on other parts of the body. You can learn more at www.trich.org
I have been doing it since I was five years old, and still, I can't tell you why I do it. I do have a history of abuse and also of PTSD. But, obviously not all abuse survivors have trichotillomania.
Thank you for letting me share my story. I hope you learned something!
Written December 15th, 2005
In a list
A contest entry
- **Addiction to pain** by LeilaJayne.
600 points, ended March 26, 2006, 9 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
-
This is so funny. I wonder if I have the same thing. I have a habit of chewing on the inside of my mouth, sometimes until it bleeds. I do this when I'm nervous, or anxious whatever. I do it a lot. Gross... I know
-
I don't have to pull my hair out myself... It just falls out naturally... but this was really good and I hope you get rid of the terrible habit and learn to control it... this was a really good poem and I could see you pull your hair out... Keep up the good work!!!
~:Kitten:~ -
Wow! this is really good...reminds me of me cuz i sumtimes pull out my hair tho not in clumps...i love the rhyming scheme...its a great poem, keep it up!
-
Wow, very good poem. Very good rhyming series 'n such. Quite an admirable piece of artwork. It is sad that you do have that disorder, and I have learned something because I've never heard of it before.
-
This is really good. I love the emotion and flow; nicely written. I never knew this was a disease. Well, thanks for sharing, good luck in the future, and keep on writing!
-
I can so relate to this! I just twist tho, I don't pull it out. My nine year old daughter used to pull her hair out in clumps when she was two and didnt get her way, I never knew why, but she grew out of it. I know twisting is just natural to me and alot of others, didnt know that it was an actual disorder! great rhymes in your poem. thanks for sharing!~~tracy
Adding your comment:
1 - 6 of 6
2 old applause
